Teen Faces Child Abuse Charges

1/5/12 – A Fox Lake teen is facing child abuse charges against his 15-year-old girlfriend after he allegedly caused bruising on her arm. 19-year-old Cody Van Beek made his initial appearance yesterday on charges of physical abuse of a child intentionally causing harm. According to the criminal complaint, the girl’s father noticed bruising on her arm and took her to the Randolph Police Department to speak with an officer. During the interview the girl told police that she got the bruises after Van Beek became upset when she looked at his brother. When police questioned Van Beek, he said he grabbed the girl because she was trying to leave and he didn’t want her to. He said he also grabbed the girl at other points in their relationship when he was mad. Police say the two also admitted to have a sexual relationship. Van Beek was released on a $1,000 signature bond and has a preliminary hearing set for next month.